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Key Points

Former ISRO legend Nambi Narayanan reveals how India's Axiom-4 mission with NASA prepares astronauts for the 2027 Gaganyaan program. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will lead 12 experiments aboard the ISS alongside European astronauts. The delayed launch highlights India's growing role in global space collaboration. This mission revives human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after 40-year gaps.

Key Points: Nambi Narayanan Says Axiom-4 Paves Way for ISRO Gaganyaan Mission

  • Axiom-4 tests zero-gravity training for Gaganyaan
  • Shukla to conduct 12 ISS experiments with NASA
  • Mission marks India-Poland-Hungary space revival
  • Peggy Whitson commands historic crew
2 min read

What we are doing now is a prelude to the Gaganyan project: Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan on Axiom-4 mission

Former ISRO scientist calls Axiom-4 a crucial step toward India's 2027 Gaganyaan mission as Shubhanshu Shukla prepares for ISS experiments.

"What we are doing now is a prelude to the Gaganyaan project – Nambi Narayanan"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 10

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan called the Axiom-4 mission a prelude to ISRO's Gaganyan project.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Narayanan said, "We trained four astronauts for the past one year for the zero gravity experience and other various rigorous trainings. After the training, they were waiting for our mission, Gaganyaan, which is scheduled to lift off in 2027. What we are doing now is a prelude to the Gaganyan project, and in this project, we are getting exposure to how to handle a situation like this. What are all the experiences of going through a manned mission?"

He added that there are a lot of differences between a satellite vehicle and a manned mission

"A manned mission and a satellite vehicle have a lot of differences... We are using the Falcon 9 of the USA, which is launching the crew that is expected to go to the space station," he said.

Former scientist Narayanan said that Shubahanshu Shukla will conduct seven experiments individually and five along with NASA at the International Space Centre.

"Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla is now taken as the astronaut who goes on the mission. He is expected to do seven experiments, which are scheduled to be done by him individually, and there are five experiments which are going to be done with NASA's combination..." he said.

The launch of the Axiom-4 mission features astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, each embarking on their first-ever mission to the ISS. This also marks the second government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for each of these countries.

The mission is a major milestone in the Indian Space Research Organisation's collaboration with NASA through Axiom Space. As per ISRO, the mission, which was scheduled to be launched on June 10, has been rescheduled to June 11 due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Joining Shukla on the mission are Slawosz Uznanski of Poland, a European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. Uznanski will be Poland's second astronaut since 1978, while Kapu will be Hungary's second since 1980.

Veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson will command the mission, adding to her record for the longest cumulative time spent in space by any American.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
So proud of our space program! 🇮🇳 The Gaganyaan project is going to be a game-changer for Indian science. Shubhanshu Shukla's mission will provide valuable experience for our astronauts. Jai Hind!
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the collaboration with NASA, I hope ISRO develops our own crew vehicle soon. Depending on Falcon 9 shows we still have some way to go in manned spaceflight tech. But progress is progress!
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Ananya M.
The experiments Shubhanshu will conduct sound fascinating! Does anyone know if any of them have applications for agriculture or weather prediction? That would be so useful for our farmers.
V
Vikram J.
Nambi Narayanan is absolutely right - this is perfect preparation for Gaganyaan. We should celebrate every step forward in our space journey. From launching satellites to sending humans - what a journey it's been for ISRO!
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Sanjay P.
Hope the government continues proper funding for space research. These missions inspire our youth to pursue STEM fields. My son now wants to be an astronaut after seeing this news! 🚀
M
Meena R.
Interesting to see Hungary and Poland also participating. Space exploration truly brings nations together. Wishing all astronauts a safe journey and successful mission!

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